Gabriella is charming and friendly! It was a pleasure to stay at her beautiful ancient cool apartment. The gardens was heartwarming as well, and the location is very nice

“Would recommend to anyone looking for a laid back, relaxing and friendly stay.”

Lovely people, location was fantastic and I felt right at home from the start.

“The worst place I've seen in over 10 years of using Booking.com”

This property was absolutely nothing like what was described in the listing. It was extremely dirty, poorly maintained, infected with cockroaches, and completely lacking the amenities I paid for. No proper shower – just a hole in a concrete floor with a disgusting wooden cover. No toiletries, no desk, no wardrobe, no coffee machine, no hair dryer, no working fan, no working internet, and the mosquito net was old and full of holes. The floor was bare, stained concrete. I paid for comfort and basic standards – I got neither. Instead, I was greeted every evening by large, disgusting cockroaches crawling out from under the wooden shower cover in the bathroom. The shared space was filthy, and the owner repeatedly held loud drinking sessions with friends just outside my room. The patio area was always full of cigarette butts, beer cans, and alcohol bottles that were not cleaned up regularly. Absolutely no privacy or peace. Disappointing. Drinking sessions instead of yoga sessions, garbage instead of garden. The photos shown on Booking.com are highly misleading – this is not a green garden, but a poorly maintained, faded and dried-out ruin. To make matters worse, the location is completely impractical. The property sits on a highway, and although buses from Heraklion to Chania might stop nearby, there’s no official bus stop, and you cannot get back to Heraklion from there – the bus won't stop on that side of the road. You are basically trapped in Palaiokastro, where there is absolutely nothing to do or see. The nearest beach is small, always overcrowded with families from Heraklion in the afternoons, and of course - dirty. I reported all of this to Booking.com and filed a formal complaint. This place is not only uncomfortable – it’s a stressful trap, a waste of time and money, and a total misrepresentation of what was advertised. Avoid this place at all costs.

“does not correspond to the description”

We expected a natural stay with direct contact to owner (Gabriella) based on a report in a german newspaper. What we found was a place which might fit for travellers expecting nothing but a roof over a bed. "Gabriella's Garden" was a nice place back in the 70s. The "Hotel" is administrated by an old greek man, who has his hospital bed next to the reception, bar and breakfast room. the whole area is unkempt. WE booked 2 nights but left without breakfast after 1 night.

Gabrielle is a great hostess. She actively engages with and enjoys her guests.

“Be ready to wake up with the rooster -or the occasional sheep's bell”

I was looking for a fast reset, sleep and clean air. The medieval look is just the beginning. Be ready to experience life as it was half a century ago, waking up with the rooster and the occasional bells from the passing sheep. I slept between 8 and 11 hours! every night without interruptions (besides a few mosquitoes). The place itself inspires contemplation and reflection, good for a personal "reset" moment. For me one of the highlights is also to meet the variety of people who come to places like these. Gabriella is a natural connector who enjoys a good conversation in multiple languages -and she's also a great cook!

It was so peaceful and quiet and the people staying there are amazing also I would recommend this place if you want to get away

“I will not return. Not rustic or traditional, just dirty, neglected and unkempt. No care of guests.”

Location was good.

“Off-grid experience”

Gabriella is the owner, she is absolutely lovely. You’ll be welcomed upon arrival and she will make sure that you’re never alone, well fed, and also provide you with individual time for meditation. She also helped me travel from the village as the bus can drop off but not pick up from the village. Very laidback vibes. If you’re an off-grid enthusiast, this is your best option! The beach is lovely, with two restaurants available, both have great food and drinks. You can also enjoy a hike as the village is located on a marble mountain, many views, and a castle. There is a local mini supermarket available. Thank you for having me 🙏 I have so much memories now and met lovely people 💖💕

“Greek and chill living”

Great location close to Herakleion, just off the highway. Gabriella is super nice, and the whole place gives you a vibe of Greek living. We even had a little lizard as room pet :)

Gabriella made us feel very much at home in her lovely garden room. Although the accommodation was basic, it was comfortable and good value for money. The breakfast was excellent.

Gabriella has huge heart and welcome you as a her family members. Amazingly welcoming place. I would higly reccomend you if you are looking for.piece to be yourself. I went for 2 nights and decided to 1 week. It was just amazing what can I say. Thank you Gabriella love from me and my cousin.

“Good atmosphere, lack of comfort.”

The location close to the beach with good atmoshere.Gabriella is very kindly.The review from the garden is wonderfull sorund to the hills.The bed in the room was very comfortable.

“Gabriella’s Garden - is a marvellous place with an authentic atmosphere. It's a perfect choice for a self-retreat an”

“Gabriella’s Garden - is a marvellous place with an authentic atmosphere. It's a perfect choice for a self-retreat an”

“Gabriella’s Garden - is a marvellous place with an authentic atmosphere. It's a perfect choice for a self-retreat an”

If you love nature, sea and mountains, good cuisine and pleasant company, then this is your place. The facilities are not top-class, but there is a lot of space, near the sea, bars and shops. Be sure to order dinner from the owners - it is very tasty. I recommend this place.

“Beautiful garden property near small local beach”

Gabriella and her dad have beautiful property! The Garden is well maintained and has a nice energy about it. They also serve traditional food and it was very delicious. It was conveniently located 2 min walk from small local beach which was lovely and quiet for a swim and relaxing.

Gabriella and Claudio are the best people in the planet.

Gabriellas Garden is a place where you find your inner peace. Beach - 3 mins, breakfast - only best local ingredients and verbena tea from garden, dinner - local dishes plus wine, delicious! This a Greek spirit you want to know.